Giants Beat: D'backs honor Johnson

Published 4:00 am, Thursday, June 11, 2009

The Arizona Diamondbacks were in a more celebratory mood than Randy Johnsonwas Wednesday night. After missing a day to attend his daughter's eighth-grade graduation, Johnson declined media interviews on the night he was given a video tribute at Chase Field, saying he had too much catch-up work to do.

As well as he pitched for so many teams over the years, Johnson was most dominant in his first of two stints with Arizona (1999-2004). He was co-MVP of the 2001 World Series, pitched a perfect game against Atlanta in May of '04, racked up 36 complete games, had a 24-5 season in 2002, led the National League in ERA three times, and had a phenomenal four-year run of strikeouts, leading the league with 364, 347, 372 and 334, respectively, from '99 through '02.

With several teammates perched on the dugout's top step for a good look, the fourth-inning video presentation lasted about 30 seconds, featuring some of Johnson's career highlights. Without leaving the dugout, Johnson waved his cap to the crowd, which gave him a brief but warm ovation, many of the fans standing.

With a large Arizona media contingent interested in his comments, Johnson said he will talk before today's game.

DRAFT PICKS: The Giants chose 16 pitchers, 13 of them right-handed, among their 27 draft picks (Rounds 4-30) Wednesday. Most of their selections were collegiate stars, including fifth-round pick Brandon Belt, who will play first base for Texas in the upcoming College World Series. Belt, a left-handed batter, is hitting .336 with eight homers and 40 RBIs.

The fourth-round choice, right-handed reliever Jason Stoffelfrom the University of Arizona, had a 2-1 record and 11 saves with a 4.67 ERA, allowing 44 hits and striking out 55 batters in 54 innings.